All illustrations by Holly Hatam A children’s book teaches that the best way to be happy is to embrace the circumstances we find ourselves in each day, rain or shine _______ Wishes can be dreams and goals in embryo. They keep us hopeful, imaginative, energized. … [Read more...] about Happy Right Now: Empowering Children To Find Happiness Within
Youth
Hello, Sun! Sun Salutations to Help Children Wake Up and Greet The Day (and Life)
All illustrations by Sarah Jane Hinder A children’s book author and illustrator shares the benefits of morning sun salutation yoga flow to greet the day — and life — a practice for all ages ______ Mornings are such a special time of day. The sun rises. The earth warms. … [Read more...] about Hello, Sun! Sun Salutations to Help Children Wake Up and Greet The Day (and Life)
Sweet Dreams: Visualizing Your Way To A Better Night’s Sleep
Photograph by Annie Spratt Bedtime doesn’t always bring sweet dreams. When the mind keeps racing, guided visualizations can help us settle in for a good night’s sleep — All illustrations by Leigh Standley Bedtime is supposed to be the most relaxing time of day. We … [Read more...] about Sweet Dreams: Visualizing Your Way To A Better Night’s Sleep
The Courageous Art of Supporting Someone in Grief (At Any Age)
All illustrations by Birgitta Sif A children’s book author shares some practical ways we can show up differently for grief — our own and that of others — As a culture, we’re not great at supporting the grieving, to say the least. We don’t know what to say. We don’t … [Read more...] about The Courageous Art of Supporting Someone in Grief (At Any Age)
Mindfulness in the Classroom: Learning from the Inside Out
All photographs courtesy of Laura Bakosh Bringing mindfulness into schools transforms learning while empowering children with life skills to break cycles of poverty, violence and despair. — I hear this over and over with greater frequency these days: “What’s happening in … [Read more...] about Mindfulness in the Classroom: Learning from the Inside Out
ALPHABREATHS: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing For Kids
All illustrations by Holly Clifton-Brown By working with children’s imaginations, teaching mindfulness in the classroom can help students navigate their inner feelings and experience ____ Teaching mindfulness to kids, at face value, actually sounds ridiculous. Trust me, … [Read more...] about ALPHABREATHS: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing For Kids
One Breath at a Time: 4 Simple Breathing Exercises for Kids and Adults
Illustrations by Sarah Jane Hinder Mindful breathing exercises can help children (and adults) develop the tools they need for self-soothing and self-regulating as they navigate life’s stresses — Anyone who spends time with children regularly knows they can go through a … [Read more...] about One Breath at a Time: 4 Simple Breathing Exercises for Kids and Adults
Kids For Peace: How a Youth Grassroots Movement Is Shifting Global Consciousness
All photographs courtesy of Kids For Peace Through Kids For Peace, youth are driving a global movement of consciousness and kindness, pairing compassion with action — I admit: I am biased. I have been a fan of the organization profiled this month since it was … [Read more...] about Kids For Peace: How a Youth Grassroots Movement Is Shifting Global Consciousness
A Time For Rain: A Mother Daughter Reclamation of Feelings
Illustrations by Robert Clear In a world that tells us to get over and move through emotions as fast as possible, a breath of fresh air comes from a mother daughter team who craft a tale in honor of feelings — Musings from Sofia Brogan Fink (9 years old): I love … [Read more...] about A Time For Rain: A Mother Daughter Reclamation of Feelings
Raising a Responsible Child in an Entitled Society
Photograph by Louis Francia A few steps you can take to help children feel empowered instead of entitled — As parents, we inherently want what is best for our children, which includes them growing up to live responsible, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, a rather … [Read more...] about Raising a Responsible Child in an Entitled Society
Togetherness Redefined: A Family’s Story of Life on The Road
The real story of fulltime travel, homeschooling and togetherness — debunking myths and doing life differently — Dear Readers: There are many ways to educate and empower young people. Some are more conventional, some are more out-of-the-box. This issue of Best Self Youth focuses … [Read more...] about Togetherness Redefined: A Family’s Story of Life on The Road
2 Poems
Insecurity By Ruby Esposito Bodies are a beautiful natural disaster. A thunderstorm leaving lightning bolt stretch markson the softness of a young girl’s skin. The electricity ran through her veins. And she danced through the storm clouds. Until she was taught that wasn’t … [Read more...] about 2 Poems
